rowan

[ roh-uhn, rou- ]

/ ˈroʊ ən, ˈraʊ- /

Save This Word!

Definition of rowan

noun

the European mountain ash, Sorbus aucuparia, having pinnate leaves and clusters of bright red berries.

either of two American mountain ashes, Sorbus americana or S. sambucifolia.

the berry of any of these trees.

QUIZ

TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS

Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”

Question 1 of 7

What does "dignity" mean?

showing self-respect

treating others with kindness

acting selfishly

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of rowan

1795–1805; <Old Norse *raun- in reynir,Norwegian raun

Words nearby rowan

Rover Boy, roving, roving commission, Rovno, row, rowan, Rowasa, rowboat, rowdy, rowdyish, rowdyism

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use rowan in a sentence

Liam Neeson was across from me, Rowan Atkinson was seated next to me, and on the other side was Laura Linney.
Love Actually’s 10th Anniversary: The Cast and Crew Reminisce About the Christmas Classic|Marlow Stern|November 7, 2013|DAILY BEAST
And Joe Morton as Rowan roars each line with all of the ferocity—and then some—they require.
The ‘Scandal’ Premiere Is as Brilliant and Batsh*t Crazy as You Hoped|Kevin Fallon|October 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST
“The White House will destroy you,” Rowan warns, when Olivia decides not to escape and to face the wrath of the media.
The ‘Scandal’ Premiere Is as Brilliant and Batsh*t Crazy as You Hoped|Kevin Fallon|October 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Rowan was tried on a lesser weapons-possession charge—not assault.
Trayvon Martin: Other ‘Stand Your Ground’ Cases, From Florida to North Carolina|Clark Merrefield|March 23, 2012|DAILY BEAST

A pro-gun group, Gun Owners of America, offered Rowan legal assistance.
Trayvon Martin: Other ‘Stand Your Ground’ Cases, From Florida to North Carolina|Clark Merrefield|March 23, 2012|DAILY BEAST
No doubt it will be a trial for Miss Rowan, but I think she would feel better to have her father buried here.
Raw Gold|Bertrand W. Sinclair
I looked up at sound of a startled exclamation, and beheld the round African physog of Lyn Rowan's colored mammy.
Raw Gold|Bertrand W. Sinclair
In fact, it was to be expected of almost any man who happened to be thrown in contact with Lyn Rowan for any length of time.
Raw Gold|Bertrand W. Sinclair
Literally, we set about reviving Hicks, with a view to learning from him what had become of Lyn Rowan.
Raw Gold|Bertrand W. Sinclair
The pretty stenographer colored, and I dryly set Mr. Rowan right—which appeared to disturb him more than his mistake.
In Search of the Unknown|Robert W. Chambers

British Dictionary definitions for rowan

rowan

/ (ˈrəʊən, ˈraʊ-) /

noun

another name for the (European) mountain ash

Word Origin for rowan

C16: from Scandinavian; compare Norwegian rogn, raun, Old Norse reynir

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012